Memphis Public Libraries: Library of Things (Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library)
location_onMemphis, Tennessee
infoAbout Memphis Public Libraries: Library of Things (Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library)
The Library of Things is a public library collection at Memphis Public Libraries, borrowed with a library card, and the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library at 3030 Poplar Ave is one of four locations that hold it. The library says: "Memphis Public Libraries lends non-traditional items, too! You can try before you buy, discover a new hobby, or borrow a device you'll only need to use once."
Borrowing
Borrowers must be 18 or older with a library card in good standing. Things are checked out at the Circulation Desk, and a waiver is required each time you borrow a new item. There are no holds: items are first-come, first-served. You can have up to two different Things at a time, for 7 days, with up to two renewals if there are no holds. Things must be picked up from and returned to the owning library's Circulation Desk, not a book drop.
What You Can Borrow
The library catalog lists 22 items in the Library of Things tools category at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library, including a Kärcher pressure washer, a compact cordless chainsaw, a cordless cultivator/tiller, Fiskars hedge shears, a socket set kit, an Allen wrench set kit, a soldering iron kit, a laser level, a digital tire inflator and an infrared thermometer. Other categories across the system include arts and crafts, cookware, gardening, instruments, recreation and education.
Hours
helpFrequently Asked Questions
help_outlineWho can borrow from the Memphis Library of Things?
Patrons 18 and over with a library card in good standing. A waiver is completed each time you borrow a new item.
help_outlineWhat tools are at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library?
The catalog lists a Kärcher pressure washer, a compact cordless chainsaw, a cordless cultivator/tiller, Fiskars hedge shears, a socket set kit, an Allen wrench set kit, a soldering iron kit, a laser level, a digital tire inflator and an infrared thermometer.
help_outlineCan I place a hold?
No. Library of Things items are first-come, first-served.
help_outlineHow many items and for how long?
Up to two different Things at a time, for 7 days, with up to two renewals if there are no holds.
help_outlineWhere do I return items?
To the Circulation Desk of the library you borrowed from. Do not use book drops.
help_outlineWhen is the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library open?
Mon-Thu 10am-8pm, Fri-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 1-5pm.
Tools are borrowed. These you own.
Safety gear, consumables, and basics that Memphis Public Libraries: Library of Things (Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library) doesn't lend — buy them once and finish the job. Every item below ships from Amazon.
Tool libraries lend the tools — but you bring your own PPE. These are the basics worth keeping on a shelf.
ANSI-Rated Safety Glasses
Anti-fog, scratch-resistant. The pair you'll actually wear.
Work Gloves (Cut-Resistant)
Level-5 cut resistance handles utility blades and rough lumber.
Ear Protection (NRR 28+)
Circular saws and routers exceed 100 dB. NRR 28+ is the safe floor.
N95 Dust Masks (10-pack)
Critical for sanding, sawing MDF, or drywall work.
Tool libraries don't lend the stuff that gets used up. Buy these once, finish your project.
Sandpaper Variety Pack
60 to 400 grit covers most rough-to-finish work.
Drill Bit Set (Titanium)
Goes through wood, plastic, and most metals. Lasts longer than HSS.
Utility Knife Blades (100-pack)
Standard-size, fit most retractable knives. Cheaper in bulk.
Wood Screws Variety Box
Mixed lengths and gauges — saves a hardware-store trip mid-project.
Cheap, used constantly, not worth a library trip. Build your own small kit with these.
25-ft Tape Measure
Magnetic hook, standout reach. The one tool you'll grab daily.
Combination Screwdriver Set
Magnetic tips. Phillips + flathead in the sizes you'll actually use.
Stud Finder (Magnetic + Electronic)
Multi-mode finders catch both magnetic fasteners and wood/metal studs.
9-in-1 Multi-Bit Driver
Replaces a kit of screwdrivers and nut drivers in one handle.
Books and plans that show you how to actually use the tools you're borrowing.
Reader's Digest Complete DIY Manual
Plumbing, electrical, carpentry, drywall — the household bible.
The Woodworker's Pocket Book
Joints, wood species, finishes — fits in a tool bag.
Black & Decker Wiring Guide
Code-current, illustrated, written for homeowners not electricians.
Pencil & Carpenter Marker Set
Mechanical carpenter pencils + deep-hole markers — endless small wins.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Recommendations are editorially independent — picks based on what tool-library users typically need alongside borrowed tools.
location_onContact & Location
dashboardFeatures & Categories
card_membershipMembership & Pricing
Annual membership gives you access to the full tool inventory for borrowing.
compare_arrowsNearby Tool Libraries
| Name | Location | Distance | Rating | Membership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbondale Tool Library | Carbondale, IL | 184 mi | star5.0 | — |
| Louisville Tool Library | Louisville, KY | 317 mi | star5.0 | sliding scale donation |
| Lafayette Tool Library | Lafayette, LA | 359 mi | — | Free |
| Texas Tool Traders | Garland, TX | 415 mi | star4.2 | — |
| Houston Community ToolBank | Houston, TX | 484 mi | star4.8 | — |
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